Shimon Mizrahi: "We have turned to the EuroLeague, we want to bring the games back to Israel"

Maccabi Tel Aviv opened the 2026/27 season with a press conference. Chairman Shimon Mizrahi revealed an official appeal to the EuroLeague to return the games to Israel, accompanied by letters from the President of Israel, the Minister of Sports, and the Police Commissioner. CEO Avi Ben-Tal reported a record 9,250 season ticket holders. Coach Oded Kattash addressed the difficulty of away games. Mizrahi refused to comment on ownership disputes.

Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club held its official press conference today (Tuesday) ahead of the opening of the 2026/27 season, against the backdrop of the expected derby against Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Super Cup this coming Thursday. Chairman Shimon Mizrahi revealed that the club has officially appealed to the EuroLeague to return the team's games to Israel, after spending the past year hosting abroad due to the security situation. The appeal was accompanied by three letters of support from the President of Israel, the Minister of Sports, and the Police Commissioner, and a meeting with the EuroLeague chairman has been scheduled in four days. Mizrahi cited the security calm, the return of airlines to Israel, and Dubai hosting games as key arguments. CEO Avi Ben-Tal announced a record 9,250 season ticket holders, just shy of a sellout. Coach Oded Kattash addressed the difficulty of away games and the importance of the crowd. Mizrahi and Ben-Tal refused to comment on the ownership disputes at the club, noting that an arbitrator has been appointed.